“NEVER STRONGER THAN NOW”
MINISTER’S STATEMENT REGARDING A.I.F.
(Rec. 11.15 a.m.) Canberra, This Day. The A.I.F. has never been stronger than at present, stated the Army Minister, Mr Forde. He was replying to criticism of the Commonwealth Government by Sir Earle Page, because it had not made the whole of the Australian Army available to fight beyond the equator. Of the medically fit Australian Army personnel, approximately 86 per cent, had volunteered for the A.I.F. said Mr Forde. The remaining 14 per cent, who had not volunteered for transfer from the militia included a large number of 18 and 19-year-old lads who were eligible for service outside the Commonwealth.
“The total strength of the A.I.F. is far greater than Australia could afford to send beyond the equator,” declared Mr Forde, "and is far in excess of the number of men sent abroad cither in the last war or in this war.” He added that while Sir Earle alleged that the Government did not have enough men available to send beyond the equator some of his parliamentary colleagues were asking that 20.000 men be left out of the Army—principally for the rural industry.
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Bibliographic details
Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 10 February 1944, Page 2
Word Count
192“NEVER STRONGER THAN NOW” Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 10 February 1944, Page 2
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